Shakey subs questioned again

A striker for a midfielder, when Arsenal were dominating and, within minutes Arsenal had scored twice. Would it not have been better, the critics asked, to have brought on a fresher midfielder instead?

This time, Shakespeare did just that, bringing off Shinji Okazaki for Andy King to attempt to stave off the midfield domination by Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. Yet, because of the result, Shakespeare is likely to face further questions over his changes.

Shinji Okazaki fires a shot at goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford. Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

The proceeding goal, though, as it was at the Emirates, came from a set-play, and not because of the change.

It was King who had Leicester’s best chance of the game to snatch a late consolation, while Demarai Gray, one of Shakespeare’s other changes, set it up and, as we will come to, could have provided more chances.

Twice at Old Trafford, Gray had Mahrez in better, more dangerous positions to his right. A quick look up and early pass would have put him through. But Gray either took too long, overhit the pass, or opted for a speculative effort from range instead.

You cannot afford to waste such chances against teams like United.

This, you would hope, will improve with experience and maturity. Depending on what happens with Mahrez before the transfer window shuts, that chance may come soon.

Chelsea are circling around Danny Drinkwater, who needs to be locked in Khun Vichai’s wine cellar until Friday morning, while this weekend’s gossip columns are linking Jamie Vardy with Steve Walsh’s Everton. They can jog on.

If all three depart, Leicester could have the best part of £130m in the coffers. A sum they don’t need, and may well not have time to reinvest.

International break will help heal the wounded

While the transfer deadline cannot come quickly enough, the international break has given Leicester vital time to patch up the list of niggling injuries.

Drinkwater is nursing a thigh injury (cue the cynic’s murmurs). Robert Huth should be back after ankle surgery, Vicente Iborra can finally start bulking up the midfield after groin troubles, while Kelechi Iheanacho should be up to full throttle.

These are all key players, who will make Leicester’s squad look suddenly much stronger.